Welcome the good old days in Clarina

Cois Carraig, Clarina, Co Limerick

Cois Carraig, a development in Clarina Village, Co Limerick, that is aimed at the over 50s, may have been what the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) had in mind when it published a report in March suggesting empty nesters be encouraged to downsize and free up housing for first-time buyers struggling to get on the first step of the property ladder.

Cois Carraig, a development in Clarina Village, Co Limerick, that is aimed at the over 50s, may have been what the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) had in mind when it published a report in March suggesting empty nesters be encouraged to downsize and free up housing for first-time buyers struggling to get on the first step of the property ladder.

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Welcome the good old days in Clarina

Independent.ie

Cois Carraig, a development in Clarina Village, Co Limerick, that is aimed at the over 50s, may have been what the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) had in mind when it published a report in March suggesting empty nesters be encouraged to downsize and free up housing for first-time buyers struggling to get on the first step of the property ladder.

The controversial ESRI report estimated there are 26,000 couples in their 50s and older whose children have flown the nest, but who are still living in homes with seven or more rooms.

Not many older home-owners might appreciate being told they should downsize, but for those who do, Cois Carraig may well fit the bill. These two-bed, two-bath dormer townhouses, situated in a rural setting just beyond Mungret Village, were designed to be low-maintenance homes suitable for buyers older than 50 seeking a home they could eventually retire to.

The pitch by developer ATG Properties seems to be working: more than 150 house-hunters visited the showhouse at Cois Carraig when it was launched the weekend before last.

At 1,023 sq ft, the properties are almost as large as the standard three-bed semi, but are keenly priced at €167,500. The architect-designed homes feature an open-plan kitchen and dining/living area with French doors that open on to a paved garden area. There is also a bedroom with a fully tiled wet room on the ground floor. Upstairs, an ensuite bedroom occupies the entire floor and comes with extra space for storage.

Cois Carraig is surrounded by a variety of amenities, including schools, shops, a pharmacy, and a hair and beauty salon. There is also a new community resource centre offering services such as pilates, card playing, and ceoltais musical evenings.

Clarina is a short drive from the newly opened Mungret neighbourhood park and playground, and has easy access to the Limerick tunnel and ring road leading to the national motorway.